Huddled in the eastern grove of palm and fig trees
behind a massive yucca,
awkwardly disjointed from Husband
our hands unclasped, tucked against our bellies,
strange searing-cold worms slinking through my gut--
later known as Fear,
I anxiously await the night
certain the darkness sufficient to conceal us
if He comes seeking.

Firelight of day is descending lightly, without hurry
the way just yesterday I loved,
its cast-off rainbow sparkles flirting with me joyfully
as I danced across the garden,
Husband singing in counter-harmony to
cardinals and ostriches, leopards and hyenas
all celebrating the day, welcoming the sun’s rest
its rays cloaking us with golden, ephemeral hues
as we awaited Him.

Whimpering at His approach, my mouth twisted,
then crushed by Husband’s hot, hairy, heavy hand
as he hisses for quiet, unquestioning obedience,
I am afraid and ashamed, heart tattered as the frond over my breasts;
no, I am angry, a heady rush of determination
grinding my teeth into the meat between his thumb and forefinger
sweet-salt liquid trickling down my throat
stagnant dew-damp night air filling my lungs
when the Awaited arrives.

Standing exposed
in fullness of knowledge
we face Creator-Father;
the hiding ends
if it ever was.

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Your imagery is very strong and incredibly visual. Is this about Adam and Eve right after the Fall? I hope I'm right - though I'll admit it took me several reads and a very close examination of your title to figure it out.
Very strong images for sure. Thanks.

Wow, am I ever sorry that I didn't see this poem earlier! It's absolutely incredible. I pla to feature it on the Front Page showcase for the week of Feb. 9. Look for it on the FaithWriters home page, and congratulations!